A regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church was held Sunday, November 16, 2014, at 12:30 PM in the East Parish Hall. The meeting opened with prayer by the Clerk.

Scout PresentationNicolas Chasteler, a member of Troop 937, the scout troop sponsored by St. Martin-in-the-Fields, presented an Eagle Scout project to the Vestry. The project involves completing the pathway to the outdoor worship area with pavestones and surrounding the worship area with a decorative stone border. He provided drawings and photos of the 3 options he asked the Vestry to consider. His family plans to provide large urns as part of the decorations planned. Nicolas plans to have the project completed no later than the end of February 2015, weather permitting. Joe Panther moved the Vestry approve his proceeding with his plan as designed (option B). The motion was seconded and carried.

Minutes of the October 19, 2014, meeting were approved as distributed.

Resignation of Bob BlomstromThe Senior Warden announced that he has received an email from Bob Blomstrom resigning from the Vestry, effective immediately, and stating that he and his family are leaving St. Martin-in-the-Fields at this time. The Senior Warden will contact Blomstrom to thank him for his service to the parish and expressing the hope that they find peace and opportunities for service in a new church home.

Christian Education ReportThe written report of Corrie Cabes, Children and Youth Minister, is attached and made a part of these minutes.

Communications CommitteeAnnette Duff reported that all the Advent information is already available on the parish website. The person who had planned to be responsible for the school website is unable to do so, and responsibility has returned to the Communications Committee.

Diocesan InformationAt diocesan convention which ended yesterday, Joel Walker was elected to the Standing Committee and Becky Snell was elected to the Disciplinary Board. In the stewardship information presented it was stated that whereas most churches think in terms of “the average pledged”, the better picture comes from the determination of “the median pledged.” The bishop stressed that, contrary to rumors, there are no plans for the Diocese of Fort Worth to merge with the Diocese of Texas.

Playground Usage PolicyDJ Mitchell announced that he is in the process of formulating the draft Playground Usage Policy and will have it ready for consideration by the Vestry at the December regular meeting.

Nominating Committee ReportThe Senior Warden reported that to date Bob Bess, Charles Busey, Mev Matulevich, Chris Mullaney and Gary Wilkinson have agreed to stand as candidates for election to the vestry. With the resignation of Bob Blomstrom 5 new vestry members will need to be elected. No information is available on candidates for diocesan delegates. New vestry members and diocesan delegates will be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting January 25, 2015.

Treasurer’s ReportThe Treasurer reviewed the monthly financial reports. (See attached.) DJ Mitchell moved the treasurer’s reports be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded and carried.

Senior Warden’s ReportSearch Update: The Search Committee has completed its work. The Senior Warden is currently in conversation with the candidate presented by the Search Committee. He hopes to be able to announce soon that a contract has been signed by him, the candidate and the bishop. No further information is available at this time. If negotiations are successful, plans will be made to bring the new rector to St. Martin to serve as supply priest for the 5 PM service on Saturday, December 13, with a celebration party to follow.Supply Priest Plans: The Rev. Jesse Smith and the Rev. Gayland Pool will continue to serve as our supply priests, at least through November. The Rev. William Winston will do all Christmas Eve services with the Rev. Henry Penner preaching at the 5 PM service, Winston preaching at the 8:30 service and Annette Mayer preaching at the 10:30.

EYC (Episcopal Youth Community)Wednesday night meetings returned on November 12! Teens are invited for fun, prayer and fellowship each Wednesday night from 7-8pm in the EYC room.

EYC will continue to meet on every second Sunday for Service Sunday (sack lunches for UGM). Teens meet on the fourth Sunday for Sunday Funday, a time for fun and fellowship. Teens will have opportunities to work closely with Union Gospel Mission throughout the year.

The EYC will bring a Godly Play story to life on Sunday, January 4 during the family worship service at 10:30am. Tens will describe the journey to Bethlehem in a new way.

Sunday SchoolNursery, children and teens began a Bible based curriculum this fall and have walked through the garden of Eden, jumped onboard the Ark, and walked with Sarah and Abraham in the desert. The stories continue this winter and spring! It’s great to see the children relate Bible truths to their daily lives.

Youth Musicians at St. Martin’sA youth musician group has formed, inviting all 6th graders through high school to join in the fun. The group has been preparing to perform at the Advent Fest on November 30 and at the 5pm Christmas Eve family service.

Advent FestAn Advent Festival will be held on Sunday, November 30 after the 10:30am service in the large parish hall. Everyone is invited to this free event featuring Advent resources, wreath making station, caroling and more!

Online Advent ResourcesLots of new Advent resources are already on the St. Martin’s website! There’s something for everyone, young and old, from printable calendars, tween and teen resources (d365.org) and a daily subscription to the online Advent Word from Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE). These Advent resources are great for busy people to connect, take a moment and refocus as we look towards Christmas.

Epiphany PageantThe Epiphany pageant is in full swing! Casting started November 9 and it is always a joy to see the precious children of St. Martins bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life. Join us on Saturday, January 3 at the 5pm service to experience the Epiphany Pageant.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School Chaplain MinuteThe students at St. Martin’s are learning short liturgical lessons and it is exciting to see the Pre-K class carry the chapel cross into the sanctuary to start Chapel each day. St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool has also partnered with outreach efforts at St. Martin’s. For the month of November, the students have brought coats into chapel for blessings and to pray for those who will receive coats. St. Martin even visited last week, inspiring students to give and share! Thanks to Annette Duff for being an excellent St. Martin!